The techniques here use modern, reward-based methods of training based on scientifically proven results. More and more, puppy owners are discovering that, by training their puppies with positive methods, they get more positive results.

This wasn't always the case. Long ago, it was the standard to use punishment to train dogs. When training an exercise, an owner would watch his dog intently. The second she did something wrong, he would immediately yank her collar to cause her discomfort or pain. For some dogs, this did produce results; they learned to avoid punishment by only doing certain things. What became apparent over the years, however, was that this method of training also sometimes caused undesirable side effects, including shyness, aggression, and distrust of owners. Some dogs would just shut down because they were confused. They figured it was easier not to do anything than to try something that would risk punishment. Unfortunately, some owners mistook this helplessness as a good thing. A dog who held a 45-minute down-stay but who was afraid to move and miserable the entire time, was thought to be a well-behaved dog.

You don't have to settle for good behavior from an unhappy puppy. You can have both a happy puppy and a well-behaved puppy all rolled into one. It all depends on how you teach her.

Dog training has evolved a lot over the years. Today, we know that we can achieve results without resorting to using punishment. Think of the last time you learned something completely new. Did the person teaching you yell at you every time you got something wrong? Did he rap you on the knuckles? If so, you may have learned the task, but how did you feel during the instruction? Were you afraid to make a mistake? How did you feel about the teacher?

Perhaps you had a different experience. Did you have a teacher who showed you what to do and praised you when you did well? Did you earn extras in class, like chocolate or gift certificates? How did you feel during the instruction? Did you look forward to the class?

The difference is the training philosophy. You can either focus on what your puppy does wrong, or focus on what she does right. If you focus on good behavior and reward it, your puppy will perform those good behaviors again and again.